TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) – Lawmakers in New Jersey are mulling over a bill which would change how drunk driving offenders are treated and punished.

The bill could allow drivers convicted of a first DWI to avoid a license suspension by agreeing to install an ignition interlock device in their car. The device requires the driver to take and pass a Breathalyzer-like test before starting the car.

“Proven to reduce repeat offenses by 67 percent,” according to federal statistics, said Frank Harris of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

The current DWI law imposes a mandatory license suspension for at least three months for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders are required to install ignition interlock devices, as are first-time offenders who have a blood-alcohol level over 0.15 percent.